Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to hold a series of meetings with key political allies and opposition leaders as his government navigates mounting political pressure and a deteriorating security situation in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Pakistani media reports, Sharif may meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to discuss the country’s political climate and security challenges. The PPP has also been invited to a proposed multi-party meeting involving opposition groups.
Discussions are expected to focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province governed by the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), where authorities say militant activity has increased. Reports indicate that the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province could be among the issues under consideration.
The debate intensified after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently met President Zardari in Karachi, a meeting political observers viewed as significant amid speculation over potential federal intervention in the province.
Rana Sanaullah, an adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, said Sharif had been briefed on the country’s current political situation upon returning from the United States. He noted that constitutional provisions allow the government to declare emergency measures under specific circumstances.
The federal government has in recent days warned that worsening security conditions and PTI’s planned protest march on October 4 could leave it with limited options. PTI, however, has cautioned against any move to impose governor’s rule, warning of serious political consequences.
Sharif is also expected to consult opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai as part of efforts to ease tensions before PTI supporters begin their march toward Islamabad. Observers say dialogue among political stakeholders could help reduce the risk of further confrontation.
Separately, the prime minister may meet Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to discuss issues including petroleum levies, after the party warned of renewed protests if talks fail to produce an agreement.
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